A historic Copper Cliff building will get a new lease on
life when it opens its doors Aug. 1 as the Copper Cliff Manor
Retirement Residence.
The former Copper Cliff Hospital, located at the corner of
Serpentine St. and Godfrey Dr., has received extensive
renovations.
The building dates back to 1914. It replaced another hospital
building in the same location that burned down in 1912. The
hospital closed in the 1970s and was used as office space for
Inco Ltd. until 2001.
A group of investors bought the building two years ago and
began converting it into a retirement home. A local firm, Perry
& Perry architects, was hired to plan the renovations and
oversee the project.
There are 28 rooms available right now, but the owners hope to
start construction on a 40 room addition late this fall. The
addition will match the character of the building, says
architect Jeff Perry.
It would be easy to tear down the building and put up a
"glass and steel structure" instead, but preserving
historic buildings is challenging and rewarding, he says.
Seeing the building used as a health-related facility again is
important to Copper Cliff residents, says Perry. He received a
lot of positive comments during an open house June 27 and 28.
"With this transformation it is bringing it back to that
use and character. We tried to transform it back to where it
started," he says.
The Copper Cliff Manor is unlike any other long-term care
facility in the city, says Perry.
"It's open and spacious and has very high ceilings and
tall windows . . . Nowadays in new buildings you can't
afford to build ceilings that high," he says.
"Yet we've lowered ceilings in some areas where we
thought it would provide a little bit more intimacy and
character. I would describe it as warm and inviting and
calming. It's a pleasant place to spend your retirement
days."
Residents have access to a large dining room, lounges, library
and hair salon.
The restoration is nearly complete. Contractors are touching up
the exterior of the building, and the grounds are awaiting a
fresh layer of sod.
The facility's administrator, Betty Meigs, remembers
visiting the building when it was used as office space, and
can't believe how much it has changed.
"It's beautiful. The hallways are nice and wide, and
the doorways are wide enough. There's a neutral colour of
paint, and paintings on the walls, and shadow boxes, and all
new light fixtures," she says.
The retirement home is ideal for elderly Copper Cliff residents
who need assistance with day-to-day living, she says.
"There's a lot of people who have lived here most of
their lives, and it would be nice if they could stay in their
own area," Meigs says.
"They would have the independence of coming and going as
they please and not worrying about housekeeping and meals. They
are still able to do whatever they want."
Residents can take part in teas, afternoon cards, movie
matinees and scheduled trips. The facility's 12 staff can
provide help with medication, health monitoring and weekly
assistance with bathing.
All of the rooms are private, but vary in price according to
size.
A studio room costs $1,800 a month, a standard bedroom costs
between $1825 and $1875, a large bedroom costs between $1,880
and $1930 and a deluxe bedroom costs $2,300. Couples add $500
to the prices.
To apply for a room, phone 682-9990.
